Ceiling fan pressure increase or decrease

In summary, the air pressure in a room with a ceiling fan would not be directly affected by the fan itself. However, the turbulence generated by the fan could potentially cause a temporary increase in pressure if the room was completely sealed and insulated. In a normal room, the pressure would eventually equalize with the exterior atmosphere.
  • #1
singhsshub
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Would air pressure increase or decrease due to a ceiling fan in a room?
 
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  • #2
Neither, this is internal flow. The pressure directly around the fan will decrease (before the fan) and increase (after the fan) somewhat, this pressure smears out to miniscule amounts in other parts of the room. But on average the pressure stays the same.

Also, the room is usually connected to the exterior atmosphere, which equalizes the pressure.
 
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  • #3
singhsshub said:
Would air pressure increase or decrease due to a ceiling fan in a room?
If the room was a hermetically sealed box, with an internal fan, then the internal air would be warmed by the turbulence generated by the fan. The warmer air would expand, so pressure would increase.
 
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  • #4
Not just hermetically sealed, but also perfectly insulated, but yeah, nicely found :)
 
  • #5
Arjan82 said:
Not just hermetically sealed, but also perfectly insulated, but yeah, nicely found :)
It wouldn't need to be perfectly insulated. Certainly that would maximize the effect, but a regular closed room could still be heated sufficiently to cause the expansion effect temporarily. Lots of typical home appliances can produce sufficient heat to raise the temp of a closed room noticeably.
 
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FAQ: Ceiling fan pressure increase or decrease

How does a ceiling fan affect air pressure in a room?

As the ceiling fan rotates, it creates an area of low pressure directly beneath it and an area of high pressure around the edges. This difference in pressure causes air to move around the room, creating a cooling effect.

Can a ceiling fan increase or decrease the overall air pressure in a room?

Yes, a ceiling fan can both increase and decrease the air pressure in a room. The direction of the fan's rotation will determine whether it is creating an area of low or high pressure. In the summer, the fan should rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze, while in the winter it should rotate clockwise to push warm air down from the ceiling.

How does the size of a ceiling fan affect air pressure?

The size of a ceiling fan can affect the air pressure in a room. A larger fan with longer blades will typically create a greater difference in pressure and therefore move more air around the room. However, the size of the room and the height of the ceiling also play a role in determining the appropriate size of a ceiling fan for optimal air circulation.

Can a ceiling fan affect the air pressure in adjacent rooms?

Yes, a ceiling fan can affect the air pressure in adjacent rooms, especially if there are open doorways or air vents connecting the rooms. The movement of air created by the fan can travel through these openings and impact the air pressure in other areas of the house.

Is there a recommended distance between a ceiling fan and the ceiling for optimal air pressure?

Yes, there is a recommended distance between a ceiling fan and the ceiling for optimal air pressure. Most experts recommend a distance of at least 8-10 inches between the blades of the fan and the ceiling to allow for proper air circulation and to prevent the fan from hitting the ceiling. However, the specific distance may vary depending on the size and type of fan.

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